It’s summertime and you’re ready to hit the beach, pool, or local watering hole. You don’t just need to be well-equipped with sunscreen, you also need hair care tips for after swimming so you don’t end up with a frizzed out disaster on your hands. In theory, you love the idea of glamorous poolside lounging or diving in and out of the ocean waves while flipping your hair back like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. But the truth is, you have invested a lot of money in dying your hair pink, brunette, platinum blonde, or lavender. Ruining your beautiful (expensive) locks after a pool day is not worth it.
Having your locks turn a jaundice green from chlorine overdose is not part of your summer. You may not know this but the salty sea is just as bad as all those pool chemical. It’s amazing if you want sandy blonde hair, but be warned about the brittle ends, frizziness, and uneven color that comes along with it. If you don’t want to bleach out your hair from the salt and the sun, it’s important to use these few tricks.
BEFORE SWIMMING
1. Whip your long hair into a braid
This fights tangles and will ramp up your style. If you are at the beach, it will keep the chaos at bay, and in the pool will keep your hair in order. If you’re just sunbathing, use a hat or hair product with SPF, but if you’re getting in the ocean you need to use this strategy.
2. Make sure your wet hair is protected hair
If you are swimming in a chlorinated pool, rinse off hair before you swim. Not only will you keep the pool cleaner by rinsing away your styling products, you are coating your hair with non-chlorinated water which will keep your strands from soaking up every single chemical in the pool. A fresh water protective layer will also guard your hair from soaking up too much salt if you’re taking a dip in the sea.
3. Wear a protective layer
Since we all love coconut oil all the time, try this trick to protect color-treated or dry hair from the ocean brine. Slick a small amount of coconut oil (especially on dry ends) before wetting your hair with fresh water. The oil (jojoba oil also works well), forms a protective layer that keeps salt out. The salt water can bleach out your ends, which looks fabulous if you’re going surfer babe, but is a pain in the butt if you just committed to peacock green hair.
4. Cap out the chlorine
If you are okay wearing a cap on the pool then use one. This way you don’t need to rinse your hair before getting in the pool. You can find some super cute vintage caps that are irresistible.
AFTER SWIMMING
1. Wash away the trouble
For happy hair throughout summer, your best bet is to rinse hair with fresh water immediately after getting out of the pool or ocean. Chlorine sitting on your hair all day and baking in the sun is surefire disaster for blondes or anyone with chemical damage. Salt water, although fabulous as a texturizer, does bleach out hair, so unless you want lightened locks, it’s best to rinse ASAP or wash with a clarifying shampoo.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner
After rinsing or shampooing, give your hair some moisture and lasting love with a leave-in conditioner. Look for one that has SPF built in so you can continue your day in the sun without further damage.
2. Use a wide tooth comb
Brushing wet hair is begging for trouble. Use a wide tooth comb and gently work your way through tangles. The wide teeth help fight frizz and strand breakage.
4. Clarify your hair
If you are in the water a lot this summer, you need to clear away all that residue build up. Whether it’s chlorine, sea salt, or bits of lake life, a weekly clarifying treatment will keep your hair chemical free and manageable
Follow these steps and your lovely strands will be gorgeous all summer long! Your hairstylist will also thank you!